Estimated Meter Reads
& Bill Adjustments
Why They Happen and How to Avoid Them in the Future
Do you ever wonder why your utility bill suddenly spikes without any significant changes in your energy usage? One possible explanation is the use of estimated meter reads by your utility company. In this article, we'll explain why and how utility companies use estimated meter reads, how actual meter reads can affect your bill, and how ABC Energy can help you manage your energy costs.
What are estimated meter reads?
Utility companies use estimated meter reads when they are unable to access the actual meter due to various reasons such as inaccessible location, faulty meter, or other obstacles. Instead of an actual meter reading, the utility company estimates your usage based on your past usage or the usage of similar customers in your area. The estimated meter reads are used to calculate your bill until an actual meter reading is obtained.
How do estimated meter reads affect your bill?
If your utility company uses estimated meter reads, your bill may not reflect your actual energy usage, which could lead to overbilling or underbilling. Overbilling occurs when the estimated usage is higher than your actual usage, while underbilling occurs when the estimated usage is lower than your actual usage. The problem with underbilling is that you will eventually have to pay for the difference when an actual meter reading is obtained.
When are actual meter reads taken?
Utility companies typically take actual meter readings every few months to ensure accurate billing. However, in some cases, actual meter readings may not be taken for an extended period, which could lead to a significant adjustment on your bill when they finally do take an actual meter reading.
How can you prevent this in the future?
Providing actual meter reads online through the utility's website or installing a smart meter can help avoid high bills due to estimated meter readings in the future. With actual meter reads, your bills will be based on your actual usage, rather than estimated usage, resulting in more accurate billing. Providing your actual meter reads online is a simple and convenient way to ensure that your bills are based on your actual usage. Alternatively, installing a smart meter allows for real-time monitoring of your energy usage, which can help you better understand and manage your energy consumption. By taking these steps, you can avoid unexpected and potentially high bills in the future and have greater control over your energy usage and costs.